The Department of Motor Transport has recognized the urgent need to regulate vehicle repair garages as part of a broader initiative to improve road safety and reduce congestion, particularly in high-traffic areas such as school zones. With the increasing number of road accidents across the country, authorities believe that better oversight of vehicle maintenance, stricter regulation of roadside businesses, and the introduction of digital monitoring systems could help build a more efficient and safer road network.
Speaking at a recent media briefing, Chief Inspector of Motor Vehicles Sujeewa Tennakoon emphasized the need to ensure that garages adhere to proper safety and technical standards. He explained that many road accidents occur due to vehicle malfunctions, which can often be traced back to poor-quality repairs or a lack of maintenance. He pointed out that inspections should be conducted to assess both the qualifications of personnel working in garages and the quality of the equipment used in vehicle repairs. According to Tennakoon, there have been allegations that negligence on the part of vehicle owners has contributed to many accidents, but ensuring that garages meet high safety standards would be a preventive measure against faulty repairs leading to road failures and collisions.
To further enhance road safety and streamline vehicle management, authorities are considering the digitalization of vehicle monitoring. Tennakoon confirmed that the government is moving towards implementing a digital driving license system, which will eventually replace traditional physical licenses. This move is expected to reduce administrative burdens, lower printing costs for the government, and improve efficiency in traffic law enforcement. The Cabinet had already approved this initiative last year, and authorities are now working on its full-scale implementation.
Meanwhile, the police have raised concerns that several roadside activities contribute significantly to pedestrian-related accidents. DIG Indika Hapugoda, head of the Traffic and Road Safety Division, stated that unauthorized businesses operating on sidewalks force pedestrians onto the roads, creating a higher risk of accidents. In many urban areas, shop owners and street vendors extend their businesses onto sidewalks, restricting pedestrian movement and increasing the likelihood of pedestrians stepping into active traffic lanes. He also noted that improperly parked vehicles contribute to this issue, as vehicles left on sidewalks force pedestrians to walk on the roads, exposing them to high-speed traffic and potential collisions.
The police have reiterated their stance that vehicles parked on sidewalks will be towed as part of a broader enforcement effort to maintain pedestrian-friendly spaces. However, despite these measures, traffic congestion remains a major issue, especially in areas surrounding international schools. Many school zones suffer from extreme congestion due to the lack of public transport options for students, leading to long queues of private vehicles waiting to pick up children. This not only worsens urban traffic conditions but also creates safety risks for pedestrians and other road users.
As a response to these growing challenges, authorities are working towards comprehensive regulations for vehicle maintenance, better enforcement of parking rules, and the development of digital solutions to address road safety issues. These reforms are expected to create safer roads, reduce traffic congestion, and improve pedestrian movement, particularly in highly congested areas such as school zones.
